Despite writing about high-tech technology with processors, software, IoT, artificial intelligence news everyday, I’m still very much a pen and paper kind of guy when it comes to taking notes.

But this morning, I figured out it’s possible to digitize your notes on the cheap without having to use actual ink and paper, as 8.5″ digital LCD writing pads now cost as little as $10 shipped, and although those are pretty dumb devices with just an erase button and no connectivity nor storage, you can “scan” your notes using CamScanner app for Android and iOS.

Specifications for the $10 model:

8.5″ LCD display with 25%-30% reflective ratio

Pen Input pressure – 10-20g

Power Supply – CR2016 button battery (included)

Dimensions – 228 x 147 x 5mm (ABS plastic)

Weight – About 110g

This will reduce the amount of paper you use and store, and possibly have a positive impact of the environment, although estimating the latter is always harder than it seems. But you should definitely save some spaces whether you used to store your notebooks. Battery life should be good for around 50,000 erase cycle. If you find a 8.5″ pad is too small, you’ll find models with various sizes on Aliexpress or other sellers.

3-Step Scan with CamScanner App

As mentioned in the introduction, you can’t save your notes using the pad (no storage), not transfer them over Bluetooth of WiFi. Instead, you can leverage your phone or tablet’s camera and CamScanner app which will make your notes or sketches appear like actual scans rather than photos.

I got two of those, its NOT LED, its a magnetic resistive solution, its like those magnetic kid toys but much much better, you even get some degree of pressure sensitivity. you cant write with your hands/fingers which is good, but it works just fine with your finger nails. Contrast is not as good as in the images, can be hard too clearly see your writings in low light conditions.

Its a good product as long as you know what to expect. My kids use them to write / draw. I have used them for nodes / calculations. They are quite durable, but one of my devices screens got scratched, think my son was standing on it with some sand between the device and floor. It still works fine, but the scratches is sometimes more visible then the written text.

I bought one last 11-11 sale from Alieexpress for around ~$10. I’ve found it very useful, replacing a heavier/messier paper notebook for doing draft designs, explanations, etc before moving over to CAD/programming. It’s also pretty durable and very light, the contrast also makes smart-phone digitizing work well, even in suboptimal lighting. Being light and clean (no ink) makes it really convenient for commuting/travel.

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